A Shaun Lunt hat-trick combined with a brilliant second half Huddersfield Giants performance secured a 36 – 12 victory over Widnes Vikings at the John Smith’s Stadium as Paul Anderson’s men ended their final pre-season schedule on a high.

The Giants fielded a strong outfit with new signing Stuart Fielden joining the experienced Eorl Crabtree, Shaun Lunt and captain Danny Brough on the starting field as Anderson looked to test his ‘big-boys’ against top flight opposition ahead of the upcoming Super League XVIII season.

The Giants started brightly as Luke George and Joe Wardle interchanged passes with the latter only being denied a try in the corner by a last ditch tackle into touch.

Wardle and George were both involved again three minutes later, but this time George dropped the ball a few metres from the try line. It seemed that the Giants overplaying in the final 20 was the only thing stopping the Claret and Gold from opening the scoring.

Then on eight minutes, against the run of play youngster Danny Craven touched down in the corner after a scrappy kick through. Craven made no mistake in kicking the extras to give the away side a 0-6 lead.

A minute later, Giants Loose Forward Michael Lawrence picked up a nasty looking foot injury that saw him replaced by Jamie Cording and the Vikings capitalised by doubling their advantage. Joe Mellor collected Jon Clarke’s offload before stepping substitute Cording and scoring under the sticks. This time Rhys Hanbury converted and the Vikings lead 0– 12.

The Giants responded on 19 minutes as Lunt grabbed his first try of the afternoon scoring under the sticks after Crabtree had been held up on the goal-line. Brough kicked the extras and the Giants were back in the game at 6 - 12.

The Giants built on that score and piled on the pressure for the next 10 minutes as Lunt went close to grabbing his second, but was held up under the sticks after a great drive from the impressive substitute Craig Kopczak.

On 32 minutes a sweeping move involving substitute David Faiumu, Scott Grix, Brough and Wardle gave the chance for George to touch down out wide, but he was only denied by a last ditch Vikings challenge meaning the Giants trailed 6 – 12 at the break despite having the majority of possession in the first period.

The Giants returned for the second half with a sense of purpose and 12 minutes in, Leroy Cudjoe grabbed his first of two tries after great work from Dale Ferguson who skipped past three Viking defenders before playing the ball back to the England International on the inside to score easily. Brough kicked the extras and it was 12 – 12.

Just four minutes later and Cudjoe was over again. This time quick hands from Full Back Scott Grix allowed McGillvary to run clear and he played the ball to Cudjoe who picked up his second try in the corner. Brough proved why he is known for being one of the Super League’s best kickers by converting from a tight angle. 18 – 12 the Giants led.

On the hour mark, Wardle who was another who impressed on the afternoon, capitalised on a mistake from the Vikings to run from halfway and force himself over. Brough did what he does best by kicking his fourth kick from four to give the Giants a 24 – 12 lead.

The Claret and Gold began to run riot as the power of the forwards really took a hold of the game, something which the Vikings failed to live with. Substitute Anthony Mullally’s powering drive allowed Lunt to double his tally under the sticks. Brough again easily converted and the game was as good as over at 30 – 12.

The away side battled for a consolation, but Lunt capped a great performance on his return, by completing his hat trick after a surging run allowed the hooker to power his way under the sticks and Brough kept his 100% record by kicking the extras to give the Giants an impressive 36 – 12 victory and set them on their way as the visit to Saints looms on the 2nd February.